There’s something magical about the aroma of Thanksgiving Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries, and Balsamic Glaze wafting through the kitchen. Picture this: crispy bacon sizzling in a pan, sweet cranberries bursting with flavor, and the earthy scent of roasted Brussels sprouts mingling together to create a symphony of irresistible aromas. pumpkin carrot soup autumn squash soup It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, promising a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave your guests raving long after the last plate is cleared.
This dish has become my go-to side for family gatherings—it’s not just food; it’s a tradition! I still remember the first time I made it for Thanksgiving. My uncle, who only eats meat and potatoes, did a double-take when he took his first bite. holiday cinnamon honey butter cornbread He exclaimed, “These little green things are amazing!” And just like that, Brussels sprouts earned their place on our holiday table. Now they’re celebrated alongside turkey and stuffing, bringing joy to every festive occasion. For more inspiration, check out this Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This dish is simple to prepare while packing an incredible flavor punch. The crunchy pecans and chewy cranberries add delightful texture contrasts. It looks stunning on any table with its vibrant colors. Plus, it pairs well with various main courses or can stand alone as a vegetarian option. [/info_box]
I once made these Brussels sprouts for a dinner party and watched as my friend declared them her new favorite vegetable—who knew?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Brussels Sprouts: Choose firm, bright green sprouts; avoid any yellow or wilted ones for the best flavor.
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Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch; this adds a savory depth that elevates the dish.
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Pecans: Opt for chopped pecans; they provide a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sprouts beautifully.
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Cranberries: Dried cranberries work best; their sweetness balances the savory elements perfectly.
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Balsamic Glaze: Choose a high-quality glaze for rich flavor; it adds a sweet tanginess that ties everything together.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it enhances the overall taste while keeping everything moist.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; season to taste throughout cooking for best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold water. Trim off any tough stems and cut them in half to help them cook evenly.
Sauté the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy and golden brown—about 8 minutes. bacon brown sugar chicken tenders Don’t rush this step; let that bacon fat render beautifully!
Add Brussels Sprouts: Toss halved Brussels sprouts into the skillet with the bacon and stir well to coat them in the savory drippings. Sauté until they begin to soften and turn golden brown—about 5–7 minutes.
Mix in Pecans and Cranberries: Add chopped pecans and dried cranberries to the mix. Stir everything together so those flavors meld beautifully while letting them toast slightly for 3 minutes.
Drizzle Balsamic Glaze: Pour balsamic glaze over the mixture—watch it bubble! Toss again until everything is evenly coated with that sticky goodness.
Season to Perfection: Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Let everything cook together for another minute or two before serving hot.
Now you have a stunning dish of Thanksgiving Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries, and Balsamic Glaze ready to impress your friends and family! Remember to take photos before they disappear—they will vanish faster than you can say “Thanksgiving feast!” Enjoy every delightful bite! For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Thanksgiving Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries, and Balsamic Glaze are not just a side dish; they are the star of the show! The sweet-salty combo will make your taste buds dance. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, you’ll have plenty of time to mingle with your guests. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting the Brussels sprouts until golden brown, then toss them in a skillet with bacon for extra flavor while adding pecans and cranberries at the end for crunch and sweetness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out bacon for turkey bacon or add goat cheese for a creamy twist. You can also experiment with different nuts or dried fruits based on your preference.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness or microwave until warmed through.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Ensure Brussels sprouts are cut evenly for consistent cooking. A high-quality balsamic glaze elevates flavors immensely. Don’t skip the pecans; their crunch is essential! [/info_box]
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without these Brussels sprouts! My cousin once told me how they stole the spotlight from the turkey at dinner; now everyone requests them every year!
FAQ
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts in this recipe?
Frozen Brussels sprouts work, but fresh ones yield better texture and flavor.
How can I make these Brussels sprouts vegetarian?
Simply omit the bacon and use olive oil instead for delicious results.
What’s the best way to serve these sprouts?
Serve warm as a side dish alongside your Thanksgiving feast or holiday spread.
Thanksgiving Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries, and Balsamic Glaze
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Thanksgiving Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries, and Balsamic Glaze is a festive side dish that will elevate your holiday table. The combination of crispy bacon, crunchy pecans, and sweet cranberries creates a symphony of flavors that delights every palate. This easy-to-make recipe is not only visually stunning but also perfectly balances savory and sweet elements, making it a must-have for family gatherings. Your guests will be raving about these Brussels sprouts long after the meal is over!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 strips thick-cut bacon, diced
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash Brussels sprouts under cold water, trim stems, and cut in half.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy (about 8 minutes).
- Add halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet and sauté until golden brown (5–7 minutes).
- Mix in chopped pecans and dried cranberries; toast slightly for 3 minutes.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the mixture; toss until evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper; cook together for an additional minute before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
